Cleavage enhancement bra

ABSTRACT

A bra including two fabric cups joined at the center front of the bra, each cup having an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of each cup is constructed to generally follow the inframammary crease of a respective woman&#39;s breast. The top of the upper portion of each cup includes a dart. A generally U-shaped support piece composed of an elongated strip of elastic is attached to the bra along the bottoms and sides of the lower portion of the cups. The support piece is made of fabric which is less elastic than the fabric of the cups. Bands made of low-stretch material extend from the sides of the lower portion of the cups and include generally V-shaped inserts cut on the bias in the tops of the bands. The inserts are made of fabric which is more elastic than the fabric of the bands.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S.Provisional application Ser. No. 62/122,237, filed Oct. 15, 2014.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to a bra. More specifically, theinvention relates to a cleavage enhancement bra.

2. The Prior Art

Prior art cleavage enhancement bra designs generally enhance breastcleavage by squeezing and/or lifting breast cups. However, the prior artcleavage enhancement bras generally provide an unnatural look, as wellas unsightly and uncomfortable lines and bulging in the underarm andback areas. There is no satisfactory known solution to this problemprovided in the prior art.

It is therefore an objective of this invention to provide a cleavageenhancement bra which enhances a woman's natural cleavage and providesoverall support of a woman's breast area with great comfort and a smoothfit in the underarm and back areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention is to provide a novel bra construction whichprovides the appearance of cleavage enhancement and overall support of awoman's breast area.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cleavage enhancement brahaving bands with expendable inserts to provide a wearer great comfortand a smooth fit in the underarm and back areas.

These together with other objects of the present invention, along withthe various features of novelty which characterize the presentinvention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed toand forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of thepresent invention, its operating advantages and the specific objectsattained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanyingdrawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated apreferred embodiment of the present invention and alternativeembodiments.

In a preferred embodiment, a bra includes two fabric cups joined at thecenter front of the bra. Each cup is constructed to engagingly receiveat least a portion of a breast of a wearer providing cleavage and theappearance of breast size enhancement. Each cup has an upper portion anda lower portion. The lower portion of each cup is constructed togenerally follow the inframammary crease of a respective woman's breastfrom generally the center of the bottom of the breast to generally theside of the breast. The top of the upper portion of each cup isconstructed in an approximately 45 degree angle upward and toward theother cup and then at an approximately 45 degree angle downward andtoward the other cup, forming an inverted generally V-shape. The top ofthe upper portion of each cup includes a dart. A generally U-shapedsupport piece composed of an elongated strip of elastic, or othersimilar material is attached to the bra along the bottoms and sides ofthe lower portion of the cups. The support piece is made of fabric whichis less elastic than the fabric of the cups. Bands made of low-stretchmaterial extend from the sides of the lower portion of the cups andinclude generally V-shaped inserts cut on the bias in the tops of thebands. The inserts are made of fabric which is more elastic than thefabric of the bands. The bands are fastened together with a hook and eyefastener that includes three sets of eyes and one set of three hooks,which may selectively be fastened, providing adjustability to the angleof the bands. Shoulder straps made of low-stretch material extendgenerally from the top centers of the respective cups.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understood, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course,additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafterand that will form the subject matter of the invention.

Before explaining the preferred embodiment and alternative embodimentsof the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that thepresent invention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction, to the arrangements of the components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings, or to the methodsdescribed therein. The present invention is capable of other embodimentsand of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is tobe understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein arefor the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application. The abstract is neither intended to define theinvention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is itintended to be limiting as to the scope of the present invention in anyway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a cleavage enhancement bra in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a cleavage enhancement bra in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view partially broken away of a cleavage enhancementbra in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,illustrating options for placement of straps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While this present invention is susceptible of embodiments in manydifferent forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be describedin detail herein, a preferred embodiment, with like parts designated bylike reference numerals and with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principlesof the present invention, and is not intended to limit the claims to theillustrated preferred embodiment.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a preferred embodiment of the cleavageenhancement bra 10 includes two fabric cups 12 joined at the centerfront 14 of the bra 10 by an approximately 1¼ inch sewn seam 16. Itshould be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the twofabric cups 12 may be joined at the center front 14 of the bra 10 byother suitable connection means without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention. It should also be readily understood by thoseskilled in the art that the seam 16 may be any suitable size. It shouldbe further readily understood by those skilled in the art that the cups12 may be integrally formed without departing from the scope and spiritof the invention.

In the preferred embodiment, each of the cups 12 is constructed toengagingly receive at least a portion of a breast of a wearer providingcleavage and the appearance of breast size enhancement. Each of the cups12 has an upper portion 18 and a lower portion 20. The lower portion 20of each cup 12 is constructed to generally follow the inframammarycrease of a respective woman's breast from generally the center of thebottom of the breast to generally the side of the breast. The top 22 ofthe upper portion 18 of each cup 12 is constructed in an approximately45 degree angle upward and toward the centers 19 of the cup 12 and thenat an approximately 45 degree angle downward and toward the other cup12, forming an inverted generally V-shape. It should be readilyunderstood by those skilled in the art that the two fabric cups 12 mayform an inverted generally U-shape without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention. The top 22 of the upper portion 18 of each cup12 includes a dart 23.

In the preferred embodiment, a support piece 24 is attached to the braalong the bottoms 28 and sides 30 of the lower portion 20 of the cups12. The support piece 24 is generally U-shaped and composed of anelongated strip of elastic, or other suitable material, which is sewninto the cups 12. It should be readily understood by those skilled inthe art that the support piece 24 may be attached to the cups 12, orotherwise incorporated into, the bra 10 by other conventional means,such as adhesives or fasteners. In the preferred embodiment, the supportpiece 24 is 1½ inch wide. The support piece 24 which has generallyreplaced underwires in the prior art, is made of fabric which is lesselastic than the fabric of the cups 12, resulting in a smoother and morecomfortable fit than underwire bras. In the preferred embodiment, thesupport piece 24 is covered on its exterior surface with the same fabricas the cups. It should be readily understood by those skilled in the artthat the support piece 24 may be covered on its exterior surface withany suitable fabric without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention.

In the preferred embodiment, bands 32 made of low-stretch materialextend from the sides 30 of the lower portion 20 of the cups 12 andinclude generally V-shaped inserts 34 cut on the bias in the tops of thebands 32. In a preferred embodiment, the band is approximately 2½ incheswide at the point of the insert proximate the cup. In the preferredembodiment, the inserts 34 are located approximately 2½ inches from thecups 12. It should be readily understood by those skilled in the artthat the inserts 34 may be located generally proximate the cups 12without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theinserts 34 are made of fabric which is more elastic than the fabric ofthe bands 32. In the preferred embodiment, the inserts measureapproximately 1¼ inches wide at the top and 2 inches deep. In apreferred embodiment, the band is approximately 3¼ inches wide at thepoint of the insert 34 proximate the cup 12. In a preferred embodiment,the bands 32 are deeper from top to bottom proximate the cups 12 andlonger at the top than the bottom. It should be readily understood bythose skilled in the art that the bands 32 and inserts 34 may be anysuitable size without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention.

The bra 10 may include bands 32 with adjustment mechanisms (not shown)such as those commonly used in bras.

As shown in FIGS. 2 & 3, in the preferred embodiment, the bands 32 arefastened together with a hook and eye fastener 36. It should be readilyunderstood by those skilled in the art that the fastener 36 may be anysuitable conventional fastener, such as buttons, zippers, snaps,VELCRO®, etc., without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention. In the preferred embodiment, the hook and eye fastener 36includes three sets of eyes and one set of three hooks, which mayselectively be fastened, providing adjustability to the angle of thebands 32. It should be readily understood by those skilled in the artthat the hook and eye fastener 36 may have other numbers of hooks andeyes without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

In the preferred embodiment, shoulder straps 38 made of low-stretchmaterial extend generally from the top centers 19 of the respective cups12 and include adjustment mechanisms (not shown) such as those commonlyused in bras. In the preferred embodiment, the straps 38 include twoplacement options. In the first placement option A, each strap 38 willbe secured approximately 4½ inches from the fastener. In the secondplacement option B, each strap will be secured approximately 3 inchesfrom the fastener 36. It should be readily understood by those skilledin the art that the bra 10 may include only one strap 38 placementoption without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Inaddition, a second set of straps 38 (not shown) may be added for acriss-cross effect on the wearer's back.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in the preferred embodiment, the bands 32include inserts 34 in the tops of the bands 32 proximate the fastener36. The inserts 34 measure approximately 1 inch wide at the top and 2inches deep.

In alternative embodiment (not shown), the bra may selectively includepadding, such as cloth, foam, plastic, gel, silicone, or other suitablepadding, which is removably disposed between the cups 12 and breasts ofa wearer, such as in pockets formed in the interior surface of the cups12.

Hence, while the invention has been described in connection with apreferred embodiment and alternative embodiments, it will be understoodthat it is not intended that the invention be limited to thoseembodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives,modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit andscope of the invention as disclosed.

As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, sameshould be apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly no furtherdiscussion relevant to the manner of usage and operation of the instantinvention shall be provided.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized thatthe optimum proportions for the elements of the invention, andvariations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner ofoperation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious toone skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships described inthe specification are intended to be encompassed by the presentinvention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered illustrative of only theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact method, construction andoperation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitablemodifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within thescope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cleavage enhancement bra comprising: two fabriccups joined at the center front of the bra; each of said cups beingconstructed to engagingly receive at least a portion of a breast of awearer providing cleavage and the appearance of breast size enhancement;each of said cups comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, eachsaid lower portion having a bottom and a side; said lower portion beingconstructed to generally follow the inframammary crease of a respectivewoman's breast from generally the center of the bottom of the breast togenerally the side of the breast; said upper portion of each of saidcups forming an inverted generally V-shape; and a generally U-shapedsupport piece attached to said bra along said bottom and side of saidlower portion of each of said cups.
 2. The cleavage enhancement bra ofclaim 1 wherein: said support piece comprises an elongated strip ofelastic.
 3. The cleavage enhancement bra of claim 2 wherein: saidsupport piece is sewn into said cups.
 4. The cleavage enhancement bra ofclaim 1 wherein: said support piece comprises fabric which is lesselastic than the fabric of said cups.
 5. A cleavage enhancement bracomprising: two fabric cups joined at the center front of the bra; eachof said cups being constructed to engagingly receive at least a portionof a breast of a wearer providing cleavage and the appearance of breastsize enhancement; each of said cups comprising an upper portion and alower portion, each said lower portion having a bottom and a side; saidlower portion being constructed to generally follow the inframammarycrease of a respective woman's breast from generally the center of thebottom of the breast to generally the side of the breast; said upperportion of each of said cups forming an inverted generally V-shape; anda band extending from said side of each of said lower portion of each ofsaid cups, each of said bands having generally V-shaped inserts cut onthe bias in the tops of said bands.
 6. The cleavage enhancement bra ofclaim 5 wherein: said inserts are made of fabric which is more elasticthan the fabric of said bands.
 7. A cleavage enhancement bra comprising:two fabric cups joined at the center front of the bra; each of said cupsbeing constructed to engagingly receive at least a portion of a breastof a wearer providing cleavage and the appearance of breast sizeenhancement; each of said cups comprising an upper portion and a lowerportion, each said lower portion having a bottom and a side; said lowerportion being constructed to generally follow the inframammary crease ofa respective woman's breast from generally the center of the bottom ofthe breast to generally the side of the breast; said upper portion ofeach of said cups forming an inverted generally V-shape; and the top ofsaid upper portion of each cup includes a dart.